Community Farm Therapy Eases Autism
Sedentary Workshops Frustrate; Farm Life Reinvigorates
Sep 23, 2009
Hiram Farm Living & Learning Community opened in June 2009 on 120 acres at the edge of a small college town, licensed by the Ohio MRDD (Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities) and Medicaid to provide inspiration and meaningful work for the individual growth of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
This nonprofit organization provides opportunities for people with (ASD) to grow, learn, work, and live in a setting focused on respect and support for individuals and the environment. The program – inspired by the model set forth by Bittersweet Farms near Toledo -- centers on farm activities such as animal care, vegetable gardening, crop harvesting, and general farm maintenance.
Executive Director Andy Krcmar says, “Our commitment to this project includes developing the land with respect to the environment and the health of all individuals working on the farm. We model organic, sustainable agricultural techniques." Moreover, buildings on the farm will be L.E.E.D-certified and the farm is to serve as a model of how to construct buildings and residences according to sustainable building techniques.
The farm opened with eight daytime participants, but it can accommodate up to 50. Future plans also call for:
- Adding speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, therapeutic horseback riding, Special Olympics, the arts and woodworking;
- Offering respite care for children and adults with ASD, plus support services for their families;
- Increasing partnerships; and
- Developing residential programming for participants.
A Fresh Approach to Therapy
What’s the connection between patients with autism and an organic, working farm? According to Krcmar, people with autism do not benefit much from workshops that require workers to be sedentary and do repetitive jobs, such as folding, filling or sealing boxes.
“Folks with autism are not happy to sit still and do just one thing. In fact, expecting them to do that sets them up for a power struggle with their caretakers,” Krcmar says.
Autistic patients respond much better to heavy, physical work in a natural setting… and having a large area to move around in and work off their anxiety levels. Carrying buckets of water, walking the fields, and other farm chores apply a lot of pressure to the joints, improves aerobics, coordination and balance -- all which are therapeutic for people with autism. Meaningful work makes for a calming program, both for patients and for their caretakers, Krcmar says.
Autism Explained
Autism is a brain development disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior, according to the American Psychiatric Association. These signs are evident before a child is three years old.
ASD affects about six per 1,000 people, in about four times as many males as females. According to The Annual Review of Public Health, the number of people known to have autism has increased dramatically since the 1980s, partly due to changes in diagnostic practice. The question of whether actual prevalence has increased is unresolved.
Most children with autism lack social support, meaningful relationships, future employment opportunities or self-determination. Although early behavioral or cognitive intervention can help children gain self-care, social, and communication skills, there is no known cure. It is rare for children with autism to live independently after reaching adulthood.
With treatment options like Hiram Farm Living & Learning Community, the outlook for patients with ASD seems to be improving.
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